looking for the right dog breed..

hi all, i might be getting a dog in the next couple of months ahead and im still thinking of what breed would suit me and my family. I will be looking after the dog, and im interested in a breed thats playful, but is good around children and has a good temperament. Also, i dont want a dog thats too hyper, so unfortunately dogs like Jack Russels, staffys, etc are out of the question (my parents decision not me lol ^^). I was interested in getting an english bulldog, but due to the very expensive prices and various health problems they have, its put me off quite a bit. I will probably look at a dog rescue centre and kennels, so if you could give me some dog breeds to look out for it would be great. Sorry if i sound like im being really picky, its just im living with my parents and they wont be happy if i get a crazy dog :P. Oh and one last thing, im not really allowed a big dog, so medium and small sized dogs would be preffered! Thanks very much, sean

It is difficult to guarentee what a dog will be like just cos of their breed. All dogs are individuals, and of course a lot of it is how they are raised as pups and how you and your family would train and socialise a pup or dog.

I could recommend a Lab. They are playful, fun, loving and great family dogs....but can be boistorous and sometimes difficult to train when they young. All breeds probably have their pros and cons!!

I would try the rescue route if i were you. There are so many, and if you go to a good rescue they should match you up with your perfect dog! Dont be thinking that rescues are all old scruffy mutts (tho nothing wrong with them!!) but there are plenty of younger pedigree dogs if thats what your heart is set on.

Good luck xx

Hi Sean

How old are you if you don't mind me asking? I notice you said you still live your parents. Will you be going off to Uni in the next couple of years? will you be able to accommodate your dog if/when you move out? will your parents be supportive and help with the care of the dog when you are not around?

Just something to think about. Getting a dog may seem like a good idea now, but you have to think about the future too.

What is your definition of "hyper"? most young dogs have a lot of energy. In fact, some of the breeds recommended most for first time owners are actually difficult and demanding puppies that are HIGH energy. Labradors, for example, while extremely sweet natured and well tempered (when well bred), are also high maintenance and very bouncy for the first couple of years. This is a breed often recommend for first time owners which IMO can be a big mistake if the owners are not prepared.

Perhaps something small like a Cavalier will suit your needs?

Hey thanks for your reply . You know i have been looking at labs actually and i think it could well be the dog for me and my family . I will likely go to a rescue centre after i have come back from my holiday and when my dad finds a job..But yeah a labrador looks like the right dog, and they seem pretty easy to take care of. it will defintely get lots of love and attention in our house! Hopefully i'll be able to get a puppy at a nearby rescue centre so i can bring it up young and teach it ^^. Still considering other breeds, but i will probably look for a lab when the time comes. Anyway im off, please bear in mind im on holiday tommorow for 3 weeks, so you may reply, but i wont get back to you for a while :P. Bye! x

Sean,

Labs are brilliant dogs; when adults. As a puppy or youngster, they generally fit the definition of 'hyper' dog. You say your parents don't want a 'crazy' dog, but you don't get a much crazier young dog then a Lab, sorry to say it. It is a good kind of crazy if you know what you are getting into and you put the effort in, but they are HARD work.

My current Lab is an extremely easy dog now, but he is 6 1/2 years old. Only in the last year or so has he slowed down. As a puppy he was cream crackers. The biting, destruction and craziness was non stop...I have plenty of horror stories.

I don't want to scare you, but if you are doing the majority of the work and your parents want a dog that is not 'crazy', a young Lab pup is NOT the way to go. A calmer, smaller, more laid back breed might suit your lifestyle better.

Hi Labradork, sorry i just saw your reply. Well im 16 years old, i will be staying on at another school which is 2 minutes away from me and i already have a family member who will look after the dog at lunchtimes and i will be able to sometimes too. I wont be going to uni so even if i move out the dog will go with me . I know the dogs will have high energy which is fine, i am prepared to take it for walks everyday and will enjoy taking it to the park and looking after it. I think a cavalier wouldnt really suit me, i want a dog that has lots of energy as i have 2 younger brothers and myself who will play with it, but not one thats aggressive. Dont get me wrong, im not looking for a "perfect" dog, i just want one that gets on well with kids, people and is playful.

Yes i agree with Labradork.
i was kinda giving an example of a Lab in my first post, saying that they "could" be a great family dog, but as with ANY dog they are not easy.
Thats why if your whole family are happy to look after, train and be responsible for a dog then possibly an older dog (maybe a rescue) where they can match you up may be the answer x
If your set on a lab...warn your parents they can and will chew/eat whatever they find, lol!

Cavaliers do have lots of energy. They are also good with kids, people and are playful. Their size also makes them very managable.

That would be a problem if it was chewing up furniture and what not..but i will discuss this more with my parents, i got lots of time to think about it. Me and my brothers are very active, so the dog would fit in well and i know it wont be easy looking after it. Are they high maintanence dogs? Would i be expected to groom it for a long time? Thanks

Lol i meant are labradors high maintenance..sorry :P